[glewis80SC]

The problem is too many people think the ER is the doctors office!! As a ff/medic is see it everyday, it is overloading the 911 and ER system. We are always going on "flu like symptoms" or "i've been sick for 5 days" and they think this is in need of a ambulance ride to the ER. Many also think that arriving my ambulance will get you to the front of the line, it is all based on severity!!
But with so many people and lawyer sue happy my dept. requires me to offer anyone with a medical complaint a ride the the hsp. Swollen and sore feet to a runny nose, we try to educate them on what 911 is really for, some listen many don't, they feel the ER is the fix all to their problems. Don't get me wrong I love going on true 911 calls and really helping someone in need that is what I got on the job for.
We had a 36 male having a full MI(heart attack) and had him treated and in the CATH lab to clear the blockage in under 60 minutes. We really were a part of the whole 911 system that saved his life that day and it was great.